Automation & Controls Engineer

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

Join Our Team as an Automation and Controls Engineer – Innovate the Future of Manufacturing!

Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and driving innovation in automation? As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of revolutionizing our facility’s electrical control systems. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of automation, from development and implementation to maintenance and operation. Working alongside our dynamic automation team, you’ll help define and update the plant’s long-term technology roadmap, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve.

You’ll play a critical role in maintaining and securing the automation infrastructure, ensuring all software and programs are backed up and up to date. Your expertise will blend fundamental controls knowledge with the latest advancements in automation technology, delivering creative solutions that tackle real-world manufacturing challenges and improve our processes every day.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Drive Innovation and Troubleshoot: You'll program and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and Variable Frequency Drives to optimize production systems and improve efficiency. You'll also dive into electrical troubleshooting and repair to keep our operations running at peak performance.

• Project and People Leadership – Mentor less experienced floor electricians, providing guidance and support as they develop their skills. You'll also plan and execute automation projects from start to finish with minimal supervision, ensuring timely and successful completion.

• Process Optimization – Continuously seek production process improvements that minimize downtime and make troubleshooting simpler and more effective for the team.

• Technology Visionary – Develop and standardize software and hardware architectures for automation projects, collaborating with multiple teams for smooth implementation.

• Shaping the Future – Lead the charge in selecting the best technology for automation and present a clear technology roadmap for immediate and long-term growth.

• Champion Safety – Always follow safety, food safety, and USDA guidelines to maintain a safe, compliant, and efficient work environment.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

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• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of controls engineering experience or related; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Industrial Manufacturing experience required.

• Experience troubleshooting and programming Rockwell PLC (RsLogix 500, RsLogix 5000, and Studio 500), HMI (FactoryTalk Studio ME and SE), Powerflex drives, Kenetix Servo drives, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Connected Components Workbench are required.

• Experience troubleshooting hardwired systems and print reading (US and European style prints) required.

• Must be comfortable working with low (24v DC) to High (4160v AC) voltages.

• Must be able to multi-task several projects, or projects and troubleshooting duties at once.

• Must have a good work ethic and be self-motivated

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Fluency in Mandarin, strongly preferred.

• Food or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.

• Experience troubleshooting and Programming of Siemens PLC (TIA portal), HMI (TIA Portal), and Drives (TIA Portal).

• Networking experience is a plus.

• Previous experience with the Ignition platform is a plus.

• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hand/arms in varying positions, kneel, crouch or crawl to complete task such as troubleshooting or repair of production equipment.

• The employee must be able to sit for long periods of time to write programs, and do administrative tasks such as work orders, requisitions, and emails.

• Employee must be able to lift and or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Employee must be able to work in extremely hot and cold environments regularly, often going from one extreme to the other in the same shift.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Check out this video to learn more about this role!